By PETER HIRSCHFELD
Vermont Press Bureau

RUTLAND — In a daylong campaign launch that touched down in points across Vermont, Gov. Peter Shumlin on Monday urged voters to “stick with the current plan to grow jobs and economic opportunities for Vermonters.”

The first-term Democrat long ago made clear his intentions to seek another two years in office. However, despite raising about $750,000 toward his re-election effort, he had delayed a formal campaign announcement until after Labor Day.

“I’ve actually been avoiding announcing, much to the chagrin of some in the press corps,” Shumlin said during a stop at the Rutland Herald. “I have felt strongly that, as a believer in a two-year term, we should run active, vigorous, short campaigns.”

Shumlin said he’ll point to his record on health care and the economy as he looks to fend off a challenge from Republican Randy Brock.

“We have made real progress getting tough things done,” Shumlin said. “But we can’t get it done in 24 months, and we’re asking Vermonters for another 24 months to get it done.”

Having assumed office as Vermont began to emerge from one of the worst recessions in its history, Shumlin this fall will point to economic gains for which he credits actions by his administration.

“Two years later we have the fifth-lowest unemployment rate in America ... we have the fastest growth rate of all the New England states, and we’ve created 7,500 new jobs,” Shumlin said.

For the complete story, see Tuesday's edition.